Contact us today!
866-348-2602

Total Tech Care Blog

Total Tech Care has been serving Florida since 2001, providing IT Support such as technical helpdesk support, computer support, and consulting to small and medium-sized businesses.

Taking an Exploratory Stab at Spear Phishing

Taking an Exploratory Stab at Spear Phishing

Chances are, you’ve heard of “phishing” - a cybercriminal’s scam that steals data, access credentials, and other sensitive information by fooling a user into thinking they are providing this information to someone who is supposed to have access to it. However, there are a few different kinds of phishing, based on how it is carried out. Here, we’ll discuss the realities of spear phishing, and the risks it poses to your business.

What Makes Spear Phishing Different?

As a rule, spear phishing is a much more precise and personalized process. To keep to the “fishing” analogy, a generalized phishing campaign casts a wide net, trying to snare as many victims as possible with their scam. Utilizing vague and generic language, the ‘typical’ phishing attack is made to appear to come from a large organization, informing the user of some need for the user to take action, resulting in the hacker gaining access to the user’s information. This methodology makes the typical phishing attack fairly effective against many people, while simultaneously easier to spot if one knows the warning signs.

By comparison, spear phishing is far more precise. Instead of trying to find value in the quantity of targets snared in a trap, spear phishing takes the opposite tack. Using a highly targeted approach, spear phishing attacks are directed toward a specific individual within an organization.

This specified approach means that the generic messages that many phishing attempts leverage simply won’t be enough to fool the intended target. Instead, the hacker has to play investigator, seeking out as much information as they can about their intended target. Where do they work? What is their position in the company? Who do they frequently communicate with? Once the hacker has collected enough information to create a convincing message, they will typically spoof an email to their target. This email will usually contain some reference to a known contact or some in-progress project to make it more convincing and will request that the recipient download a file via a provided link.

However, while the link will direct to what appears to be a Google Drive or Dropbox login page, it is just another layer to the deception. Entering credentials into this page will give them right to the hacker for their use, breaching the user’s security and putting the entire business at risk in one fell swoop.

What Methods Do Spear Phishers Use?

Due to how spear phishing works, the messages sent by hackers need to be as convincing as possible. Combining extensive research with some practical psychology, a hacker has more ammunition to power their attacks.

As mentioned above, spear phishing is far less generic than the average phishing attempt. By referencing specific people, things, and events that mean something to the target, or appearing to come from an internal authority (a manager, perhaps, or even the CEO), the hacker can create a message that is less likely to be questioned. If the hacker writes their messages without any spelling or grammatical errors, as many spear phishers do, it only becomes more convincing.

These hackers are so reliant upon their target being fooled; many will purchase domains that strongly resemble an official one. For instance, let’s say you owned the domain website-dot-com. If a hacker decided to pose as you to launch a spear phishing attack, they might purchase the domain vvebsite-dot-com. Without close inspection, the switch may not be noticed - especially if the hacker creates a good enough lookalike website.

Am I A Target?

Of course, the research that a hacker has to do to successfully pull off a spear phishing attack is extensive - not only do they have to identify their target, they also have to figure out the best way to scam this target. Generally speaking, a hacker seeking to leverage spear phishing will focus their efforts on anyone in an organization who could potentially access the information that the hacker wants but isn’t high up enough in the organization to question an assignment from above.

Or, in more certain terms, a business’ end users.

In order to minimize the chances that a spear phishing attack will be successful against your company, you need to make sure that everyone subscribes to a few best practices. For example:

  • Pay attention to the finer details of an email. Is the message actually from christine@contactcompany.com, or does the email address actually read kristine@companycontact.com? Did Christine/Kristine include any attachments? As these can be used to spread malware via email, you should avoid clicking on them unless you are certain the message is legitimate.

  • Is the message written to sound overly urgent? Many phishing messages, especially spear phishing messages, will try to push an action by making it seem as though inaction will lead to a critical issue. Another warning sign to look out for: any deviation from standard operating procedures. Don’t be afraid to question a sudden switch from Google Drive to Dropbox - it may just be the question that stops a spear phishing attack.

  • Speaking of questioning things, don’t hesitate to make sure that any messages you suspect may be spear phishing aren’t actually legitimate through some other means of communication. A quick phone call to the alleged sender will be well worth avoiding a data breach.

While spear phishing is a considerable threat to your business, it is far from the only thing you need to worry about. Total Tech Care can help your business secure its IT solutions and optimize them for your use. To learn more, subscribe to our blog, and give us a call at 866-348-2602.

 

Comments

No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment
Already Registered? Login Here
Guest
Friday, 28 February 2025
If you'd like to register, please fill in the username, password and name fields.

Blog Archive

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *

      Free Consultation

      Sign up today for a
      FREE Network Consultation

      How secure is your IT infrastructure?
      Let us evaluate it for free!

      Sign up Now!

      Free Consultation
       

      Tag Cloud

      Security Tip of the Week Technology Best Practices Business Computing Cloud Privacy Hackers Productivity Hosted Solutions Software Efficiency Network Security Google Business Internet Microsoft Email Malware Backup Workplace Tips Innovation User Tips Data Computer Mobile Devices Hardware IT Services Android VoIP Disaster Recovery communications Communication IT Support Business Continuity Smartphones Miscellaneous Smartphone Mobile Device Browser Small Business Network Collaboration Productivity Cybersecurity Quick Tips Users Business Management Managed IT Services Windows Upgrade Phishing Ransomware Data Backup Outsourced IT Windows 10 Cloud Computing Data Recovery Office Server Save Money Windows 10 Passwords Chrome Virtualization Social Media Gadgets Tech Term Saving Money Holiday Microsoft Office Automation Managed IT Services Managed Service Facebook Computers Cybercrime Artificial Intelligence Operating System Hacking Internet of Things Health BYOD Wi-Fi Mobile Device Management Networking IT Support Telephone Systems Covid-19 Information Technology Information Alert Remote Spam Managed Service Provider Office 365 Mobility Router BDR Recovery Employer-Employee Relationship Bandwidth Social Engineering App History Law Enforcement Mobile Computing Data Breach Human Resources Application Password Money Remote Monitoring Encryption Applications Big Data Office Tips Blockchain Government Paperless Office Training Data Storage Patch Management Private Cloud VPN Managed IT Remote Computing Apps Mobile Office How To Wireless Avoiding Downtime Vulnerability Flexibility Gmail Windows 7 Marketing Word WiFi Settings IT solutions Entertainment Infrastructure Servers Voice over Internet Protocol Website Budget Bring Your Own Device Two-factor Authentication Data Management Work/Life Balance Mouse HaaS Data Security Google Drive Risk Management Managed Services Display Keyboard Hacker The Internet of Things Software as a Service Conferencing Telephone System Staff Lithium-ion battery Machine Learning Employee/Employer Relationship Scam RMM Connectivity Remote Work Save Time Firewall Vendor Management USB Virtual Reality Cleaning Apple Social Data Protection End of Support User Error Meetings Education Physical Security Safety Sports Vendor HIPAA Redundancy Access Control Biometrics Hiring/Firing Remote Workers Proactive IT Virtual Desktop Virtual Assistant Processor Best Practice Authentication Virus YouTube DDoS Black Market Unified Threat Management Computer Accessories Hard Drive SharePoint Business Intelligence Update Audit Document Management Worker Solid State Drive Computing Wireless Technology Customer Service IT Management Environment Google Docs How to Downtime Printer Botnet Identity Theft Bluetooth Fax Server IT Plan Data storage Automobile SaaS Digital Signage Unsupported Software Augmented Reality Fraud Charger Computing Infrastructure IT Consultant Going Green Network Congestion Compliance Remote Worker Procurement eWaste OneNote Computer Care Current Events Workplace Strategy Humor Cryptocurrency Net Neutrality Telephony Battery Shadow IT Help Desk Samsung Legal Printing Comparison Value Internet Exlporer Wearable Technology Hard Drives Retail CES Managed Services Provider Instant Messaging Spam Blocking Electronic Medical Records PDF Robot Excel Business Technology Database Content Management Windows Server 2008 R2 Mobile Millennials Windows 10s Relocation Printers Customer relationships Smart Office Wireless Charging Cast Tip of the week webinar Email Best Practices Video Games Emergency IT Assessment Manufacturing Professional Services Workforce Public Cloud Worker Commute Employer Employee Relationship Virtual Private Network User Assessment Computer Tips PowerPoint Managed IT Service Windows Media Player Security Cameras Cables Experience Science Windows Server 2008 Virtual CIO Scalability OneDrive Biometric Security Project Management Nanotechnology Tools Telecommuting Business Owner Peripheral Managing Stress Television Digital Security Cameras Using Data NarrowBand Distributed Denial of Service Customer Relationship Management Cortana Digital Signature Analyitcs Search Copiers 5G Warranty Cameras Programming Quick Tip iPhone Public Computer Ergonomics HVAC Smartwatch Google Apps Analysis Regulations Transportation Development OLED Administrator Virtual Machine Antivirus Devices Computer Fan Rootkit PCI DSS Files Windows 8 2FA Fiber Optics Chromecast Enterprise Content Management Employee IT service Accountants Workers Benefits Messaging MSP Cabling Microchip Printer Server Hypervisor Uninterrupted Power Supply Thought Leadership Credit Cards FENG Policy Colocation Tablet IBM Dark mode Trend Micro Password Management Password Manager Domains Flash Multi-Factor Security Smart Technology SMS Monitor Default App Search Engine Saving Time Twitter Procedure Supercomputer dark theme Shopping IaaS NIST Google Search Maintenance Business Mangement Software Tips Smart Tech Sync Bloatware Trending Emails AI Reputation IT Infrastructure Streaming Media FinTech Tech Support Addiction Bing Amazon Content Tablets Techology Social Network Laptop Recycling Investment Practices Entrepreneur Netflix Two Factor Authentication Customers Wiring Employees Employee/Employer Relationships Cache Amazon Web Services Root Cause Analysis Audiobook HBO Knowledge Windows 365 Music Touchpad Safe Mode ISP Shortcut Criminal ROI Hosted Computing Skype Cost Management Consultant Video Conferencing GDPR Sales Advertising Analytics Bitcoin Wireless Internet Shortcuts Social Networking Online Shopping Data loss Politics Outlook Leadership Point of Sale Troubleshooting Personal File Sharing Cryptomining Notifications Inventory Start Menu Specifications Best Available Supply Chain Management Camera Loyalty Monitoring Batteries Running Cable Wire Evernote Screen Mirroring WIndows 7 Frequently Asked Questions Memory Travel Windows 8.1 Books Digitize

      Top Blog

      The reasoning for this is simple: you want to make sure that operations are proceeding as intended, even if you’re not there. If you completely check out from the workplace every time you leave, you could return from your vacation to a complete and total disaster that may have been prevented with y...
      QR-Code